Has the Test series turned in India's favour after their win in the 2nd Test?

[MenInG]

From 36 all out to a resounding series-leveling win in the 2nd Test.

From the looks of it - India have the momentum and the Australians are on the backfoot.

So the question is - what do India need to do to keep hold of this advantage and will the Australians recover from this pounding?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Australia are favourites for both tests. We don't have any bowling left and Kohli unavailable as well.

 

[JaDed]

We need to still contain Smith who is due and with Warner’s return we need to plan for him too.

Holding our catches should be important and Rahane needs to be more disciplined in batting..

Looks like Saini will play.. so we are defn a bowler short, Siraj surprisingly was good but Saini not sure whether he would be tight.

Momentum might be with us but this is Aus.. Aus is brutal here..

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

I think it's evened out, rather than being in India's favour. Given it's their hime, Aussies will come hard, and we need to preempt that.

For India:

Bowling - We need to sort out the Umesh Yadav replacement problem. I say Saini.

Batting - Aggarwal goes out for sure. KLR comes in. Maybe Vihari for Rohit, but maybe not. That's about it.

Attitude now has to be one of extreme focus, and to fight it out every session and focus even harder. One horrible session cost us the first Test, when we were ahead or even in all others. If we lapse now, it will be the whole series.

I think we can win this.

 

[MHN1293]

I beleive umesh yadav will go and warner will come. Wade will adjust into his comfort spot ahead of tim head. Both smith and labushagne are due a big score. Austrailia are faviourites but india can still win if bowling fires.

 

[mystical man]

Nope it will be tough for india as Australia will come hard at them

 

[Ab Fan]

Australia are favourites for next two test and anything less than a 3 day loss will be a respectable performance from India.

But if somehow we manage to win this test series, it will not just be one of the greatest test series wins by India but perhaps of all-time.

 

[Buffet]

Nope, Aus is likely to win the 2 tests. India is missing too many first-choice bowlers and I think if they select 3rd new pacer, he will act as a release valve. India was relentless in bowling due to not giving anything to hit. India is not having Kohli as well. Missing Kohli, Shami, Ishant, Yadav ... 2nd test they performed brilliantly, but it's not happening in every test.

Smith is too good a batsman to not score big in the entire series at home. I expect Aus to win both remaining tests due to India missing half of their team. The batting of both teams is not doing that well so I don't see a draw here. If I have to pick then I Aus seems likely to win. Sure, anything can happen, but I am going by the likely scenario.

 

[Ab Fan]

I think it's evened out, rather than being in India's favour. Given it's their hime, Aussies will come hard, and we need to preempt that.

For India:

Bowling - We need to sort out the Umesh Yadav replacement problem. I say Saini.

Batting - Aggarwal goes out for sure. KLR comes in. Maybe Vihari for Rohit, but maybe not. That's about it.

Attitude now has to be one of extreme focus, and to fight it out every session and focus even harder. One horrible session cost us the first Test, when we were ahead or even in all others. If we lapse now, it will be the whole series.

I think we can win this.

Rohit will come for Aggarwal.

 

[JaDed]

I wonder if Aus underestimated the team after Kohli, Ishant, Shami not being there..and now Umesh too but they will not underestimate the team anymore.

Man i so hope Bumrah or Siraj don’t get injured now..

 

[Hyperion66]

We can win but not going to be easy like this one, they will come all guns blazing and swashbuckling. Aus is slightly ahead since Smith and Labuchagne are due big scores while we have half our main eleven either injured or missing, Aussies will not get a better chance than this.

 

[battler]

Next match is in Sydney which will be a complete and utter road. Smith and labuschange will probably hit a 100.
I hope we select Natrajan. Saini looks like an inexperienced version of Yadav right now.
Despite the historic win, Aussies would start as favourites I reckon.

 

[Rightarmfast]

Next match is in Sydney which will be a complete and utter road. Smith and labuschange will probably hit a 100.
I hope we select Natrajan. Saini looks like an inexperienced version of Yadav right now.
Despite the historic win, Aussies would start as favourites I reckon.

One really needs to have guts to choose a half baked T20 bowler for a test match, when better options are available. Natarajan is the kind of bowler who we used to have in early 90's. medium pace, dibbly dobbly bowler. Having him anywhere near the test team is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Devadwal]

Im going with 2-2 ,india will win at SCG & GABA for Australia .
I'll More than happy with this result as my fellow Indian also satisfied with 2-2

 

[Hasan123]

I think Australia will win the series. But India will definitely give a good fight in the next 2 games.

 

[Dingolfy]

One really needs to have guts to choose a half baked T20 bowler for a test match, when better options are available. Natarajan is the kind of bowler who we used to have in early 90's. medium pace, dibbly dobbly bowler. Having him anywhere near the test team is a recipe for disaster.

This. I don't have much hopes for Saini but he definitely has more FC experience and did have A tours in SENA. Natarajan is too slow for Australian pitches for his height.

 

[BaankeJi]

Australia are not winning this series guyz.
India just had one bad hour in the 2 tests that have taken place.
India certainly looking a better team even with their 5 main players injured. With Rohit back in the next test, Indian batting will become better. At most, Aussies can draw this series.

 

[JaDed]

Lol at Rohit.. we are not playing LOI here.. Rohit has done nothing in tests to make him a threat..
Also we don't have Ishant, Shami, Umesh now..I don’t see what are we going to do about our bowling..

 

[battler]

One really needs to have guts to choose a half baked T20 bowler for a test match, when better options are available. Natarajan is the kind of bowler who we used to have in early 90's. medium pace, dibbly dobbly bowler. Having him anywhere near the test team is a recipe for disaster.

He has played 20 FC games with an average of 27. So no I don't think he is a half baked t20 bowler as you say.
And Saini looks to be a bit of a spray gun. I would much rather prefer a bowler who would offer control which would assit Bumrah and Siraj.

 

[sharmaji]

Aussies will most likely win the next two tests. India will have to do everything right and Australia will have to do everything wrong twice again for any change in this likely outcome.

 

[Rightarmfast]

He has played 20 FC games with an average of 27. So no I don't think he is a half baked t20 bowler as you say.
And Saini looks to be a bit of a spray gun. I would much rather prefer a bowler who would offer control which would assit Bumrah and Siraj.

There's a huge difference between bowling in a T20 and a Test. Test matches require skills, patience and strategy. T20 requires none of them. The only skillset Natarajan brings to the table is his ability to bowl yorkers at times and bowling at death. These 2 qualities will make no difference to the opposition in a test match.

Even at his worst, Saini is a pure test bowler. If not by his direct wickets, Saini will soften the batsmen with his pace and bouncers which will help Bumrah and Siraj to take wickets.

 

[Romali_rotti]

Even at his worst, Saini is a pure test bowler. If not by his direct wickets, Saini will soften the batsmen with his pace and bouncers which will help Bumrah and Siraj to take wickets.

Saini's radar is terrible, probably the worst I have seen since an Indian bowler named David Johnson.. I feel Aus will take the Sydney match but it will be very close.

 

[wrongun]

India regathered, brought in reinforcements & turned it all around.

Oz will do the same before the 3rd Test.

Fielding has actually been the deciding factor in both tests. Both got great attacks- which side will support their bowlers better in the field?

 

[Thomaskutty]

Aussies are favorites for the overall series result, the markets are still betting heavily on them.

 

[jeetu]

Australia are still the favorites. Indian batting is still pretty fragile without Kohli. India needs Pujara to find his last tour form. 2 bowlers have no test experience. Thirdly i don't know how long India can manage Smith for low score. He is one of the most consistent batsman in test history. Still its heartening to see Indian team pull off a great victory under pressure against the odd.

 

[Rightarmfast]

Saini's radar is terrible, probably the worst I have seen since an Indian bowler named David Johnson.. I feel Aus will take the Sydney match but it will be very close.

I am not saying Saini is good. I am saying Saini at his worst is still better than Natarajan who isn't a test bowler.

 

[pratiktc]

Aus had to have a very bad Test match for India to beat them

India is just getting weaker. Their batting isn't great (3 out of top 6 are not contributing) and and bowling is missing 3 of top 4 pacers.

Aus still have the better bowling attack and if they hold on to their catches they should comfortably win

 

[Bhaijaan]

I never understood this reverse jinx mentality of Indians. What is the problem in admitting we are well and truly a more settled and all round team in this series.

If not for our one hour brain fade we even had the upper hand in first test.

Australia is a team in mess. Their batsmen are not doing anything and their bowling is clearly dependent on Indians playing poorly.

Indian bowers on the other hand have been all over Australia across last 6 tests they played down under.

India should carry this momentum and make it count for another series win. If they do not, it's a missed opportunity.

Please get rid off this, maybe after 4 years mentality. All you have is now and must go for the kill always. Luckily the team doesn't think and react like our small hearted fans.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Missing Kohli Ishant Shami Bhuvi. That's too much imo. Now Yadav is out too.
However youngsters are hungry.

Anything is possible

I still say Aussies win 2-1. Only just.

 

[160KPH]

Aussie’s will win 3-1. Smith will score bucket loads of runs in the remaining tests. Warner is returning as well and he is effective at home.

 

[Amjid Javed]

India have pretty much had 1 bad session in this series so far that has cost them a test loss. Indias bowlers will continue to cause problems for the Aussie batting and if their fielding improves they will win another test here so at the very least they will leave Australia with a draw series (worst scenario).

 

[James Steven]

Joe Burns is the worst Australian player ever and as long as he is playing, India will have an edge over Australia.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

I never understood this reverse jinx mentality of Indians. What is the problem in admitting we are well and truly a more settled and all round team in this series.

If not for our one hour brain fade we even had the upper hand in first test.

Australia is a team in mess. Their batsmen are not doing anything and their bowling is clearly dependent on Indians playing poorly.

Indian bowers on the other hand have been all over Australia across last 6 tests they played down under.

India should carry this momentum and make it count for another series win. If they do not, it's a missed opportunity.

Please get rid off this, maybe after 4 years mentality. All you have is now and must go for the kill always. Luckily the team doesn't think and react like our small hearted fans.

Its cos the batting is so shaky without Kohli that there's no guarantee what will happen.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

But yeah there is a quiet confidence exuded by this Indian team.

One trait this team always had was that they were mentally strong.

So fingers crossed.

Aussies still favorites cos Smith is due a big score but you never know.

 

[battler]

There's a huge difference between bowling in a T20 and a Test. Test matches require skills, patience and strategy. T20 requires none of them. The only skillset Natarajan brings to the table is his ability to bowl yorkers at times and bowling at death. These 2 qualities will make no difference to the opposition in a test match.

Even at his worst, Saini is a pure test bowler. If not by his direct wickets, Saini will soften the batsmen with his pace and bouncers which will help Bumrah and Siraj to take wickets.

Some news reports stating that Natrajan is likely to make his debut in Sydney

 

[Smbhayi]

Aussies are favorite for both games.. India should be happy if they played well in remaining tests..

 

[carnish]

Natarajan will play

They will most likely drop Agarwal and Vihari to bring Rahul and Rohit in

India will be a different team again and Sydney will be difficult.. especially with Warner coming back and Pucovski coming in it will be difficult for India.

3-1 for Aussies definitely

 

[battler]

Agarwal has issues with his technique he needs to sought out.
Rahul or Rohit replacing him is okay. Though I do not expect much from them but since the game is in Sydney they might just do well.
I believe Vihari should be persisted with.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Full strength India would beat Aussies. Current India can still upset them

2-1 Aussies though because we are missing 5 players now. That's way too much pressure on bumrah and co.

 

[UzmanBeast]

India has a lot of concerns with the bowling and the top-order. I think that KL Rahul should come in to strengthen the batting, and Saini is also a big concern. His FC numbers aren't very good, and if he doesn't watch out, he could be a meal for the likes of Warner and Smith.

Ashwin is crucial along with Jadeja, though I suspect that Australia will make a flat wicket to prevent spin from dominating the game.

 

[Hyperion66]

Bumrah and Ashwin especially Bumrah will need to take massive workload. We are basically India C now.

 

[MenInG]

The Indian team management is likely to prefer Shardul Thakur over left-arm pace sensation Thangarasu Natarajan in the third Test against Australia in place of injured Umesh Yadav. According to sources, senior pacer Yadav is heading home for rehabilitation after being ruled out of the fourth and final Test in Brisbane as well. The third Test begins in Sydney from January 7.

"While people are excited about the brilliant progress shown by T Natarajan, we mustn't forget he has played only one first class match for Tamil Nadu. And Shardul has been a seasoned domestic red ball pacer for Mumbai," a BCCI source privy to developments in Australia told PTI on Thursday.

"Shardul was really unfortunate that his Test debut against West Indies ended abruptly due to injury even before he could bowl an over. He has been shaping up well and might replace Umesh in the playing XI," the source added.

The final call will be taken by the head coach Ravi Shastri, stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane and bowling coach Bharat Arun after reaching Sydney.

Shardul has so far played 62 first class games and has 206 wickets to show for his efforts.

Another aspect that India would like to address ahead of the Third Test is a long tail that has affected the team.

Shardul has six first class half centuries and during his stint with the national team in white ball games, he has proved to be a decent batsman.

"Obviously the next few training sessions will be important and that's why the final call is likely to be taken in Sydney," the source said.

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
As far as Yadav is concerned, he is expected to head off to National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for extensive rehab programme.

The 33-year-old had hobbled off the field after suffering the injury during the third day of the Boxing Day Test

https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-v...mesh-yadav-in-sydney-test-says-report-2345960

 

[Saksham]

I think despite India winning the 2nd Test this series is evenly poised. Australia's batting has been extremely poor this series. But the inclusion of David Warner will have a significant impact on the series. Umesh Yadav being ruled out of the series is definitely not a good news for the Indian team. This puts more pressure on Bumrah, Ashwin and Jadeja. Siraj has been pretty good and let's hope he continues in the same way. Thakur, Saini or Natarajan anybody replacing Umesh Yadav will have a massive responsibility as the third pacer. The batting unit has to perform because the series is in a very critical position. Agarwal has been been out of touch this series and likely to be replaced by Rahul. Team management should persist with Vihari since he has the ability to make useful contributions in the middle order. Expecting Rohit Sharma to perform on arrival is too much to ask for. His record outside Asia is absolutely pathetic. He is playing Test Cricket after a very long time so I expect him to be rusty and short of match practice. The team has to improve catching in the slip cordon and behind the wicket. If India draws the series India will retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy as India won 2-1 last time in 2018/19 which will be a golden feather in India's Test history.

 

[battler]

Now fresh reports coming in that Lord Shardul Thakur might be selected in playing XI for third test. [MENTION=134809]sensible-indian-fan[/MENTION], [MENTION=137142]JaDed[/MENTION] [MENTION=113824]Nikhil_cric[/MENTION]

 

[Indiafan]

India were dominating the first test too, just 45 minutes of madness with pink ball caused us to lose a match we should have easily won. Even 200 lead and australia would have crumbled

 

[MenInG]

India’s victory over Australia in the Boxing Day Test has hugely impressed former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar. The legendary bowler has been showering praises over stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for the way he led the tourists to level the series 1-1 after Adelaide horror. During a conversation with Sports Today, Akhtar stated that the character shown by Indian players under Rahane’s ‘cool’ captaincy is unparallel.

“I watched the game, one fine morning, I woke up and I saw India were getting hammered by Australia. I thought it was 369 and not 36 for 9. But it was 36 for 9. But you know, characters are exhibited in crisis,” he said.

Also Read | ‘It’s the best I have seen Ashwin bowl overseas,’ Laxman praises Ashwin’s ‘lovely display of off-spin’ in Melbourne

“The exhibition of character from the Indian team is tremendous. I think this guy is so quiet and so calm. Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t shout or do nasty things on the field, he just stays quiet and does his thing which is cool captaincy. Under his leadership, the guys suddenly performed.”

Akhtar went on to speak about how India utilized the opportunity and made a brave comeback in the absence of the players like Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami. “Whatever you say about Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane and the team, India’s strength is not people who are playing on the field, it’s the bench strength. They seized the opportunity and went out there and performed,” Akhtar added.

“Getting hammered in one Test and then coming back and winning the next Test comprehensively shows the character of the team and the management. And at the same time, people are out there to win the Test match.”

With the series tied and two more Test matches to go, Pakistan legend wishes to experience some more interesting clashes in the rest of the games. The return of Rohit Sharma and David Warner is sure to make the series even more exciting, while it will be extremely crucial to see how Australia bounce back after the defeat at MCG.

“Who would have thought 10-15 years ago that Australia will get hammered by India or Pakistan or some other subcontinent team? Now it’s happening. Now, I want to see this series full of clashes. I want India to win the series because they have made a great comeback. And they have shown a lot of character and great courage. Ajinkya Rahane’s hundred is just the turnaround,” Akhtar said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...clashes/story-SxwFdW1NFAoLWCCbYY4XCJ_amp.html

 

[MenInG]

MELBOURNE, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Australia's batsmen must balance aggression with discipline to combat India in the third test in Sydney after being pinned down by their bowlers in the first two matches, number three Marnus Labuschagne said.

Australia have not surpassed 200 in either test so far, struggling to break the shackles of a well-drilled Indian attack which has targeted the stumps and cut off cheap runs with heavy leg-side fields.

While much of the focus has been on Steve Smith's struggles and his failure to reach double-figures in the series, top order batsman Labuschagne has also had to battle for runs.

Yet to score a half-century a year after dominating Pakistan and New Zealand on home pitches, Labuschagne paid credit to India's bowlers but said Australia had to rise to the challenge.

"They've been very disciplined in their bowling and in their plans, with both spin and pace, I think they've really held that straight line," said Labuschagne, who was dismissed for 48 and 28 in the second test in Melbourne.

"They've made us face a lot of balls for ... a strike rate of about two runs an over.

"We need to be very disciplined. And we also need to come up with ways to put them under pressure.

"For us, it's just making sure we keep finding ways to score ... It doesn't have to be pretty, but we just got to keep grinding and keep fighting away and if we do get in, we've got to make sure we get those big scores."


After Australia won the opener in Adelaide, India's eight-wicket win in Melbourne has left the four-match series poised at 1-1. The Sydney test starts on Jan. 7.

With opener Joe Burns dropped after twin failures with the bat in Melbourne, David Warner has returned to the squad and is racing to recover from a groin strain.

Although close with Queensland team mate Burns, Labuschagne said Warner's presence would give Australia a real boost.

"Someone with over 7,000 test runs and averaging near-on 50, he's a superb player," said Labuschagne.


"I think he's in that top calibre of player ... Just his energy that he will bring around the group and his energy in the field will be terrific."

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/cri...-to-foil-indias-plans:-labuschagne-2020-12-31

 

[JaDed]

India have pretty much had 1 bad session in this series so far that has cost them a test loss. Indias bowlers will continue to cause problems for the Aussie batting and if their fielding improves they will win another test here so at the very least they will leave Australia with a draw series (worst scenario).

3 of our bowlers are injured ..., Kohli the batsman is not there, the team will have to play at their 100% to draw..

 

[JaDed]

Now fresh reports coming in that Lord Shardul Thakur might be selected in playing XI for third test. [MENTION=134809]sensible-indian-fan[/MENTION], [MENTION=137142]JaDed[/MENTION] [MENTION=113824]Nikhil_cric[/MENTION]

I feel to slit my wrist just hearing that

 

[kukkad kamaal]

Omg.. Shardul Thakur with his 120 km thunderbolts gonna release all the pressure created by Bumrah

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Now fresh reports coming in that Lord Shardul Thakur might be selected in playing XI for third test. [MENTION=134809]sensible-indian-fan[/MENTION], [MENTION=137142]JaDed[/MENTION] [MENTION=113824]Nikhil_cric[/MENTION]

Nice to see you back, dude. On topic, it was an extremely dumb decision on the management's part to let kartik and natarajan stay back instead of sending them back and getting 2 other bowlers for cover. This will blow back in their faces and and we'll be talking about how injuries cost us, toss not going in favour, losing because of 45 minutes of play despite dominating majority of the match and other similar excuses. We've heard all of this before. Ashwin cant keep bringing us into the match every time. Hes an off spinner and this is OZ in OZ. If he becomes ineffective, we'll be thrashed.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

3 of our bowlers are injured ..., Kohli the batsman is not there, the team will have to play at their 100% to draw..

And win the toss as well. Last match is an anomaly. Rarely happens in Australia.

 

[JaDed]

Why wasn’t Ishant sent? He can still be sent for 4 th test..

 

[tyron_woodley]

Surely it's a ruse? They are tricking Aussie sinto thinking shardul will play ROFL. Hope so? Lol please

 

[battler]

Surely it's a ruse? They are tricking Aussie sinto thinking shardul will play ROFL. Hope so? Lol please

You think Shastri isn't capable of such a decision? Haha get a feeling us fans will be in for a big shock come jan 7th.

 

[battler]

Nice to see you back, dude. On topic, it was an extremely dumb decision on the management's part to let kartik and natarajan stay back instead of sending them back and getting 2 other bowlers for cover. This will blow back in their faces and and we'll be talking about how injuries cost us, toss not going in favour, losing because of 45 minutes of play despite dominating majority of the match and other similar excuses. We've heard all of this before. Ashwin cant keep bringing us into the match every time. Hes an off spinner and this is OZ in OZ. If he becomes ineffective, we'll be thrashed.

Haha thanks bro I keep lurking around but a bit more involved as this is a crucial series for us. Bro at best we can for a draw on this patta Sydney pitch. If the Sydney pitch remains true to character there is no way we are taking 20 Aus wickets with Shardul in the team.

 

[subshakerz]

India lost in SA, England and NZ due to their fragile batting and they will likely lose this series for the same reason.

India basically caught Australia napping in the Boxing Day test. But they cant bank on dismissing Australia for sub-200 every innings.

I am not convinced this Indian side without Kohli has the batting strength to last the distance against Australia, whereas Australia are due a 350 plus score especially with Warner back, which is enough to be in front.

 

[tyron_woodley]

India lost in SA, England and NZ due to their fragile batting and they will likely lose this series for the same reason.

India basically caught Australia napping in the Boxing Day test. But they cant bank on dismissing Australia for sub-200 every innings.

I am not convinced this Indian side without Kohli has the batting strength to last the distance against Australia, whereas Australia are due a 350 plus score especially with Warner back, which is enough to be in front.

Full strength Indian bowling is very strong and can beat Australia.

Right now we are India C bowling. It will be hard but this is a young hungry bowling lineup now. They will come out firing. Can still upset the Aussies.

 

[subshakerz]

Full strength Indian bowling is very strong and can beat Australia.

Right now we are India C bowling. It will be hard but this is a young hungry bowling lineup now. They will come out firing. Can still upset the Aussies.

Even with full strength bowling India, you cant expect Smith, Labuchagne and Warner to fail the entire series.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Even with full strength bowling India, you cant expect Smith, Labuchagne and Warner to fail the entire series.

They can because Indian ful strength bowling is that good. Depends on pitches.
Also India are missing Kohli.

 

[Indiafan]

India lost in SA, England and NZ due to their fragile batting and they will likely lose this series for the same reason.

India basically caught Australia napping in the Boxing Day test. But they cant bank on dismissing Australia for sub-200 every innings.

I am not convinced this Indian side without Kohli has the batting strength to last the distance against Australia, whereas Australia are due a 350 plus score especially with Warner back, which is enough to be in front.

Austraia has not crossed 200 even once in this entire series Its hilarious how you paint this as catching Australia napping when it was India who was caught napping in one single hour of test after dominating the entire test till then

 

[subshakerz]

My prediction is that Australia comes back strongly in the next test and the last is a hard fought draw.

 

[subshakerz]

Austraia has not crossed 200 even once in this entire series Its hilarious how you paint this as catching Australia napping when it was India who was caught napping in one single hour of test after dominating the entire test till then

India weren't napping. They just faced a barrage of some of the highest quality fast bowling possible. Most teams would have folded.

 

[subshakerz]

Austraia has not crossed 200 even once in this entire series Its hilarious how you paint this as catching Australia napping when it was India who was caught napping in one single hour of test after dominating the entire test till then

I never understood this reverse jinx mentality of Indians. What is the problem in admitting we are well and truly a more settled and all round team in this series.

If not for our one hour brain fade we even had the upper hand in first test.

Australia is a team in mess. Their batsmen are not doing anything and their bowling is clearly dependent on Indians playing poorly.

Indian bowers on the other hand have been all over Australia across last 6 tests they played down under.

India should carry this momentum and make it count for another series win. If they do not, it's a missed opportunity.

Please get rid off this, maybe after 4 years mentality. All you have is now and must go for the kill always. Luckily the team doesn't think and react like our small hearted fans.

India didnt have a brain fade. Their batting is collapse prone whereas Australia have been underperforming.

 

[tyron_woodley]

India didnt have a brain fade. Their batting is collapse prone whereas Australia have been underperforming.

No genius. India's bowling made them look bad. Not the other way round.

India's bowling is that good. But now India are missing 3 key bowlers so it will be hard.

I do agree India's batting is collapse prone outside Asia.

 

[Geil]

Indian team clearly dominated majority part of the series including the first test,

India have been the far superior batting side ,the 36 horrr show is in the past now and India must fancy winning a series against a team which is right now lacking self confidence especially in batting

 

[subshakerz]

Austraia has not crossed 200 even once in this entire series Its hilarious how you paint this as catching Australia napping when it was India who was caught napping in one single hour of test after dominating the entire test till then

Indian team clearly dominated majority part of the series including the first test,

India have been the far superior batting side ,the 36 horrr show is in the past now and India must fancy winning a series against a team which is right now lacking self confidence especially in batting

In NZ earlier this year India were dismissed for under 200 in three out of four innings. This series is just a continuation. Dont expect captain knocks to bail India out every time.

 

[Saj]

India's confidence will be sky high but the Aussies will be hurting.

Should be a cracking match.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Now fresh reports coming in that Lord Shardul Thakur might be selected in playing XI for third test. [MENTION=134809]sensible-indian-fan[/MENTION], [MENTION=137142]JaDed[/MENTION] [MENTION=113824]Nikhil_cric[/MENTION]

 

[viveks]

Unless Ishant Sharma has a super healing machine, Aus are the clear favorites

 

[Ab Fan]

Why are they picking Shardul lol?

I am not sure how many wickets he is gonna take by his trademark delivery- bowling wide down the leg?

It seems Indian TM are just shooting the arrow in the dark. It worked for them in ODIs but this is test cricket.

 

[sharmaji]

I think they are probably looking at Shardul for his batting skills, given Saini and Natarajan are no (proven) better bowlers than him. But I would pick Saini, his pace and bounce can offer variety.

 

[Rohan]

If AUS win this series, will there be an asterixis next to it?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

If AUS win this series, will there be an asterixis next to it?

No because they are expected to win at home but India has to win it to remove that asterisk.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I think they are probably looking at Shardul for his batting skills, given Saini and Natarajan are no (proven) better bowlers than him. But I would pick Saini, his pace and bounce can offer variety.

It seems team management has no confidence in Saini. He is a 28 year old bowler. I don't think he will get another chance in Australia again.

 

[Rohan]

No because they are expected to win at home but India has to win it to remove that asterisk.

I understand, but in other thread you claimed that there is an asterixix next to India’s win in AUS in 2018. Please define.

 

[sharmaji]

That's unfortunate. The guy is at his peak and deserves change now.

So he went for runs in LOIs and had an average practice match, but that shouldn't rule him out from Test matches. He will be quite handy in the 4th test at Gabba with his 145-150 kph and bouncers. And his crazy beamers too

It seems team management has no confidence in Saini. He is a 28 year old bowler. I don't think he will get another chance in Australia again.

 

[subshakerz]

Austraia has not crossed 200 even once in this entire series Its hilarious how you paint this as catching Australia napping when it was India who was caught napping in one single hour of test after dominating the entire test till then

If AUS win this series, will there be an asterixis next to it?

Last time a full strength India team beat a below par Aussie team, did Indian fans and team management put an asterix then?

 

[Rohan]

Last time a full strength India team beat a below par Aussie team, did Indian fans and team management put an asterix then?

No, but a fan did.

 

[Caved12]

If they can win a test match in Australia without Kohli and that too after getting all out for 36 in a previous test match, then anything is possible for this Indian cricket team.